Isaiah 1:18
Isaiah 1:18 in Multiple Translations
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith Jehovah: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Come now, and let us have an argument together, says the Lord: how may your sins which are red like blood be white as snow? how may their dark purple seem like wool?
Come on, let's argue this out, says the Lord. Even though your sins are like scarlet, they will become white like snow. Even though they are red like crimson, they will become like wool.
Come nowe, and let vs reason together, sayth the Lord: though your sinnes were as crimsin, they shalbe made white as snowe: though they were red like skarlet, they shalbe as wooll.
Come, I pray you, and we reason, saith Jehovah, If your sins are as scarlet, as snow they shall be white, If they are red as crimson, as wool they shall be!
“Come now, and let’s reason together,” says the LORD: “Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow, though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
And then come, and accuse me, saith the Lord: if your sins be as scarlet, they shall be made as white as snow: and if they be red as crimson, they shall be white as wool.
Yahweh says, “You need to think about the results of what you do. Even though the guilt of your sins be as evident and as difficult to get rid of as [SIM] red stains on a white garment [DOU], I will get rid of them completely like someone who can make that stained garment become as white as snow or wool [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Isaiah 1:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Isaiah 1:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְכוּ
נָ֛א
וְ/נִוָּֽכְחָ֖ה
יֹאמַ֣ר
יְהוָ֑ה
אִם
יִֽהְי֨וּ
חֲטָאֵי/כֶ֤ם
כַּ/שָּׁנִים֙
כַּ/שֶּׁ֣לֶג
יַלְבִּ֔ינוּ
אִם
יַאְדִּ֥ימוּ
כַ/תּוֹלָ֖ע
כַּ/צֶּ֥מֶר
יִהְיֽוּ
לְכוּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
נָ֛א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
וְ/נִוָּֽכְחָ֖ה
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
Conj | V-Niphal-1cp
יֹאמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יִֽהְי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
חֲטָאֵי/כֶ֤ם
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
sin
N-mp | Suff
כַּ/שָּׁנִים֙
shânîy
H8144
scarlet
Prep | N-mp
כַּ/שֶּׁ֣לֶג
sheleg
H7950
snow
Prep | N-ms
יַלְבִּ֔ינוּ
lâban
H3835
to whiten
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יַאְדִּ֥ימוּ
ʼâdam
H119
to redden
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
כַ/תּוֹלָ֖ע
tôwlâʻ
H8438
worm
Prep | N-cs
כַּ/צֶּ֥מֶר
tsemer
H6785
wool
Prep | N-ms
יִהְיֽוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Isaiah 1:18
לְכוּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
נָ֛א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
וְ/נִוָּֽכְחָ֖ה
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
Conj | V-Niphal-1cp
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
יֹאמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִֽהְי֨וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
חֲטָאֵי/כֶ֤ם
chêṭᵉʼ
H2399
"sin"
N-mp | Suff
Sin refers to a crime or its punishment, including guilt and offense. It is the result of missing the mark or going wrong, and can have serious consequences.
Definition: 1) sin 1a) sin 1b) guilt for sin 1c) punishment for sin Aramaic equivalent: cha.ti (חֲטָי "sin" H2408)
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin. See also: Genesis 41:9; 2 Kings 10:29; Psalms 51:7.
כַּ/שָּׁנִים֙
shânîy
H8144
"scarlet"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word describes the deep red color of the coccus ilicis insect, used to dye fabric scarlet or crimson, like the scarlet thread in Joshua 2:18. It symbolizes wealth and importance.
Definition: 1) scarlet, crimson 1a) properly, the insect 'coccus ilicis', the dried body of the female yielding colouring matter from which is made the dye used for cloth to colour it scarlet or crimson
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet (thread). See also: Genesis 38:28; Exodus 39:1; Proverbs 31:21.
כַּ/שֶּׁ֣לֶג
sheleg
H7950
"snow"
Prep | N-ms
Sheleg means snow in Hebrew, likely due to its white color. It is also used in Aramaic as te.lag.
Definition: snow Aramaic equivalent: te.lag (תְּלַג "snow" H8517)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: snow(-y). See also: Exodus 4:6; Psalms 51:9; Psalms 147:16.
יַלְבִּ֔ינוּ
lâban
H3835
"to whiten"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to make bricks, often from clay or mud. It's used to describe the process of building and construction, like the tower of Babel. The word is about creating something new.
Definition: 1) to be white 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to make white, become white, purify 1a2) to show whiteness, grow white 1b) (Hithpael) to become white, be purified (ethical)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: make brick, be (made, make) white(-r). See also: Genesis 11:3; Isaiah 1:18; Psalms 51:9.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יַאְדִּ֥ימוּ
ʼâdam
H119
"to redden"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to turn red or flush, often used to describe someone's face. It appears in the Bible to describe people with a ruddy complexion, like David in 1 Samuel 16:12. The word is also used to describe things that are dyed red.
Definition: 1) to be red, red 1a) (Qal) ruddy (of Nazarites) 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be rubbed red 1b2) dyed red 1b3) reddened 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to show red 1c2) to glare 1c3) to emit (show) redness 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to redden 1d2) to grow red 1d3) to look red
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be (dyed, made) red (ruddy). See also: Exodus 25:5; Exodus 39:34; Proverbs 23:31.
כַ/תּוֹלָ֖ע
tôwlâʻ
H8438
"worm"
Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.
כַּ/צֶּ֥מֶר
tsemer
H6785
"wool"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to wool, like the kind used to make warm clothing, and is also used to describe something white or woolly.
Definition: 1) wool 1a) wool 1b) whiteness (metaph.) 1c) wool (in garments) Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (עֲמַר "wool" H6015)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: wool(-len). See also: Leviticus 13:47; Proverbs 31:13; Psalms 147:16.
יִהְיֽוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
Study Notes — Isaiah 1:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Isaiah 1:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 1:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 1:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
- Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 1:18
- Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 1:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
- Sermons on Isaiah 1:18
Context — Meaningless Offerings
16Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!
17Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.”
18“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.
19If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. 20But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 44:22 | I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. |
| 2 | Revelation 7:14 | “Sir,” I answered, “you know.” So he replied, “These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. |
| 3 | Psalms 51:7 | Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. |
| 4 | Isaiah 43:24–26 | You have not bought Me sweet cane with your silver, nor satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened Me with your sins; you have wearied Me with your iniquities. I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more. Remind Me, let us argue the matter together. State your case, so that you may be vindicated. |
| 5 | Micah 7:18–19 | Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance— who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea. |
| 6 | Ephesians 1:6–8 | to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. |
| 7 | Isaiah 41:21 | “Present your case,” says the LORD. “Submit your arguments,” says the King of Jacob. |
| 8 | Isaiah 41:1 | “Be silent before Me, O islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come forward and testify; let us together draw near for judgment. |
| 9 | Romans 5:20 | The law came in so that the trespass would increase; but where sin increased, grace increased all the more, |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 12:7 | Now present yourselves, so that I may confront you before the LORD with all the righteous acts He has done for you and your fathers. |
Isaiah 1:18 Summary
[In Isaiah 1:18, God invites us to talk with Him about our sins and how to make things right. He promises that even though our sins are deep red, He can make them as white as snow, which means He can completely forgive us and make us clean. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 103:12, where our sins are removed from us as far as the east is from the west. God wants us to be willing to listen to Him and obey Him, and if we do, He will bless us and give us good things, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'reason together' with us?
This phrase, found in Isaiah 1:18, means that God invites us to have a conversation with Him, to think and reflect on our actions and their consequences, as seen in Psalm 119:59 and Proverbs 4:26.
How can our sins be 'as white as snow' if they are 'like scarlet'?
This is a reference to the cleansing power of God's forgiveness, as seen in Psalm 51:7, where David asks to be washed and cleansed from his sins, and in 1 John 1:9, which tells us that God is faithful to forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
What is the condition for having our sins forgiven and becoming clean?
The condition is willingness and obedience, as stated in Isaiah 1:19, which is also reflected in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, where we are called to choose life and obey God's commands.
Is this promise of forgiveness only for the Israelites, or is it for everyone?
This promise of forgiveness is for everyone, as seen in Acts 10:34-35, where Peter declares that God does not show favoritism, and in Romans 11:25-32, which speaks of God's plan to save both Jews and Gentiles.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'scarlet' sins in my life that I need to bring to God for cleansing?
- How can I 'reason together' with God on a daily basis, and what would this look like in my life?
- What are some ways I can 'learn to do right' and 'seek justice', as mentioned in the surrounding verses?
- In what ways can I experience the joy of having my sins 'as white as snow', and how can I share this with others?
Gill's Exposition on Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason, together, saith the Lord,.... These words stand not in connection either with the preceding or following, but are to be read in a parenthesis, and are thrown in for the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Come now ... let us reason together.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together; I am willing to lay aside my prerogative, and to submit the matter to a fair and equal trial, whether I do not deal justly in rejecting all your services, which are accompanied with such gross hypocrisy and wickedness, and whether I do not deal very graciously in offering mercy and pardon to you upon these conditions. Though your sins be as scarlet, red and bloody, as theirs were, , great and heinous, they shall be as white as snow; they shall be washed and purged by the blood of the Messias, whereby you shall be made white and pure in God’ s sight. It is a metonymical expression, as sins are said to be purged, , when men are purged from their sins, . Shall be as wool; which for the most part is white, and is compared to snow for whiteness, .
Trapp's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.Ver. 18. Come now, let us reason together.] In the Greek Church, at the beginning of divine service, the deacon cried out, Sacra sacris, Holy souls to holy service. God will not treat with this people till purified, till resolved upon better practices; as when he is content, by a wonderful condescension, to make them even as judges in their own cause. The Vulgate rendereth it, but not so well, Et venite et arguite me Though your sin be of scarlet.] Blood red, and of a double dye; sins in grain, enormia et horrenda, such as ye may well think will never wash out. They shall be white as snow,] i.e., You shall be fully freed of the guilt and filth of your most heinous offences by the blood of my Son: sc., Not your peccadilloes only shall be remitted, but your many and mighty sins, quae coccini, quae vermiculi instar sunt. But what meant that mad philosopher, Anaxagoras, to affirm that snow was black? "Purge me with hyssop" (wash me by the blood of sprinkling from the sting and stink of sin), "and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Cleaner I shall be than the picked glass, whiter than the driven snow. The law, saith one, is like a glass wherein we see our spots; but the gospel is like the laver which was made of the women’ s looking glasses, whereby they might both see their faces and also wash out their spots; for it was both a glass to look in, and a laver to wash in, and this typified Christ. Though they be red like crimson.] Which is, say the Rabbis, of a deeper colour than the former. They shall be as wool.] Which naturally is exceeding white in those countries.
Scultetus noteth that God here promiseth not only pardoning, but purging grace also. Chrysos., Basil., Liturg. Alludit ad habitum meretricum. - A Lap. Cicer., lib. iv. Acad. Quest. Galen., lib. ii. De virt. simp. remediorum. Ainsw. in loc.
Ellicott's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
(18) Come now, and let us reason together.—The Authorised Version suggests the thought of a discussion between equals. The Hebrew implies rather the tone of one who gives an authoritative ultimatum, as from a judge to the accused, who had no defence, or only a sham defence, to offer (Micah 6:2-3). “Let us sum up the pleadings—that ultimatum is one of grace and mercy—‘Repent, and be forgiven.’” Though your sins be as scarlet.—The two colours probably corresponded to those now designated by the English words. Both words point to the dyes of Tyre, and the words probably received a fresh emphasis from the fact that robes of these colours were worn by the princes to whom Isaiah preached (2 Samuel 1:24). To the prophet’s eye that dark crimson was as the stain of blood. What Jehovah promises is that the guilt of the past, deep-dyed in grain as it might be, should be discharged, and leave the character with a restored purity. Men might dye their souls of this or that hue, but to bleach them was the work of God. He alone could transfigure them that they should be “white as snow” (Mark 9:3). Comp. the reproduction of the thought, with the added paradox that it was the crimson “blood of the lamb” that was to bleach and cleanse, in Revelation 3:4-5; Revelation 7:14.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
Verse 18. Though your sins be as scarlet] שני shani, "scarlet or crimson," dibaphum, twice dipped, or double dyed; from שנה shanah, iterare, to double, or to do a thing twice. This derivation seems much more probable than that which Salmasius prefers from שנן shanan, acuere, to whet, from the sharpness and strength of the colour, οξυφοινικον; תלע tela, the same; properly the worm, vermiculus, (from whence vermeil,) for this colour was produced from a worm or insect which grew in a coccus or excrescence of a shrub of the ilex kind, (see Plin. Nat. Hist. xvi. 8,) like the cochineal worm in the opuntia of America. See Ulloa's Voyage book v., chap. ii., note to page 342. There is a shrub of this kind that grows in Provence and Languedoc, and produces the like insect, called the kermes oak, (see Miller, Dict. Quercus,) from kermez, the Arabic word for this colour, whence our word crimson is derived. "Neque amissos colores Lana refert medicata fuco," says the poet, applying the same image to a different purpose. To discharge these strong colours is impossible to human art or power; but to the grace and power of God all things, even much more difficult are possible and easy.
Some copies have כשנים keshanim, "like crimson garments." Though they be red, &c.] But the conjunction ו vau is added by twenty-one of Kennicott's, and by forty-two of De Rossi's MSS., by some early editions, with the Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate, and Arabic. It makes a fuller and more emphatic sense. "AND though they be red as crimson," &c.
Cambridge Bible on Isaiah 1:18
18–20. Jehovah condescends to plead.
Barnes' Notes on Isaiah 1:18
Come now - This is addressed to the nation of Israel; and the same exhortation is made to all sinners.
Whedon's Commentary on Isaiah 1:18
18-20. Revolting as the people’s acts have been, God is here pleading to show that their ill condition is of their own causing. Come now — This is a common formula of entreaty. Let us reason — Discuss the case together.
Sermons on Isaiah 1:18
| Sermon | Description | |
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Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli |
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A Pure Heart - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher shares various stories and examples to emphasize the importance of being careful with our actions and choices. He highlights the concept of reaping wha |
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(Awake! Series): Consider Your Ways by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the arbitrary nature of worldly pursuits and the neglect of one's soul and relationship with God. He emphasizes the importance of consideri |
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A Call for Prophetic Evangelistic Preaching by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a controversy between God and his people. He highlights how God had shown immense love and care for his people, providing for their needs and |
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(Poland) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes about his experiences in Broadway and as a preacher. He talks about a show on Broadway that received terrible reviews and onl |
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Short Excerpt by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of salvation and its ability to deliver and purify the soul. The sermon encourages the listener to find joy in the salvation offer |
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夫妻之道 - Husbands and Wives by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the judgment of God on the nation of Israel and how it manifests itself. He explains that God will remove the supply of bread and water from |